The original Circuit de Francorchamps was based on public roads running between the villages of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot in the Ardennes forest.

Even for its time the 14-kilometre long circuit was fearsomely fast and dangerous. Two drivers were killed in a single weekend in 1960, Chris Bristow and Alan Stacey perishing in separate accidents, and two others suffered major crashes.

By 1970 growing concerns over the frequency of serious accidents led to the circuit being removed from the calendar. It was restored in 1983 having been shortened, but while dramatic corners such as the Masta Kink had been lost other famous bends including Eau Rouge and Blanchimont remained.

The new configuration also added new high-speed turns which complemented the circuit perfectly, including the tricky downhill double-left at Pouhon. Following a one-off return to Zolder in 1984, Spa-Francorchamps has been the home of the Belgian Grand Prix ever since.

The impetus for ever higher safety standards has led to further changes since then. A major overhaul in 2007 led to yet another re-profiling of the problematic ‘bus stop’ chicane, and the run-off area at its many fast corners have been extended as far as possible. Yet it remains one of the most dramatic and exciting venues on the calendar.